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Abstract:

A system and method configuring an electronic fixture display assembly
may include providing a support extension member. At least three
extension arms may be supported from the support extension member, where
the at least three extension arms may be configured (i) to support
respective electronic displays, and (i) to be rotatably positionable
relative to the support extension member.

Claims:

1. A multi-view electronic display fixture assembly, comprising: a
support extension member defining an axis extending longitudinally
through said support extension member; at least three extension arms
configured to (i) be supported by the support extension member when
extended from a ceiling and (ii) extend outward from the extension
member, said at least three extension members further configured to be
independently rotatable about the axis; and mounting structures
positioned at an end of said at least three extension arms opposite from
said support extension member from which said at least three extension
arms are supported, said mounting structures configured to respectively
support electronic display devices.

2. The multi-view electronic display fixture assembly according to claim
1, wherein said at least three extension arms and said mounting
structures are formed of a single piece of material.

3. The multi-view electronic display fixture assembly according to claim
1, wherein said at least three extension arms include an opening disposed
closer to an end opposite that of said mounting structures, the opening
being sized larger than that of a diameter of said support extension
member, thereby enabling said support extension member to pass through
the opening of the three extension arms.

4. The multi-view electronic display fixture assembly according to claim
3, further comprising: a first clamp plate defining an opening being
sized larger than the diameter of said support extension member and
further defining a plurality of smaller openings to enable fastening
members to pass therethrough; a second clamp plate defining an opening
being sized larger than the diameter of said support extension member and
having the fastening members affixed thereto and being aligned with the
openings of said first clamp plate to enable the fastening members to
pass therethrough; and a clamp bracket defining an opening adapted to
engage said support extension member and further defining a plurality of
smaller openings aligned with the openings of said first clamp plate to
enable the fastening members to pass therethrough, said clamp bracket
configured to (i) be secured to said support extension member and (ii)
support said first and second clamp plates and said at least three
extension arms, and wherein said first and second clamp plates are
positioned on opposite sides of said at least three extension arms and
having fastening members pass through said first clamp plate and clamp
bracket about said support extension member, said at least three
extension arms are capable of being independently rotatable.

5. The multi-view electronic display fixture assembly according to claim
1, further comprising a power outlet box configured to house power
electronics, said power outlet box including a bottom surface with a
first opening and a plurality of second openings positioned around the
first opening and configured to enable fastening members to be inserted
therethrough, said support extension member including an opening
extending longitudinally therethrough, the opening of said extension
member being aligned with the first opening of the bottom surface of said
power outlet box to enable electrical conductors to pass through the
first opening of the bottom and through the opening of said extension
member.

6. The multi-view electronic display fixture assembly according to claim
5, further comprising a clamp bracket including a first opening and a
plurality of second openings positioned about the first opening, the
first opening and second openings being respectively aligned with the
first and second openings of the bottom surface of said power outlet box,
said clamp bracket being configured to support said extension member when
secured to the bottom surface of said power outlet box.

7. A method configuring an electronic fixture display assembly, said
method comprising: providing a support extension member; and supporting
at least three extension arms from the support extension member, the at
least three extension arms being configured to support respective
electronic displays and to be rotatably positionable relative to the
support extension member.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising adjusting position
of the at least three extension arms relative to one another.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising attaching the
respective electronic displays to the at least three extension arms.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: providing a
power outlet box; and supporting the support extension member from the
power outlet box.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising connecting at
least three pair of electrical conductors between a power source in the
power outlet box and the electronic display devices.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein supporting the at least
three extension arms from the support extension member includes clamping
the at least three extension arms with a force that allows each of the
extension arms to independently rotate axially around the extension
member.

13. The method according to claim 7, wherein securing the at least three
extension arms includes fastening a fastening member to the extension
member and securing the at least three extension arms with the fastening
member.

14. A method for installing a multi-view display cluster in a retail
environment, comprising: connecting a safety tether to a joist that
supports a ceiling of a building, mounting a bracket connected to the
safety tether to a suspended ceiling support, the bracket including an
electrical box connected thereto; aligning the electrical box with an
opening in the suspended ceiling, the electrical box configured to
provide power to at least three electronic displays of the multi-view
display cluster; electrically connecting electrical conductors from the
electrical box to a power supply in a power outlet box of the multi-view
display cluster; mechanically connecting the power outlet box to the
electrical box, the power outlet box being aligned with and positioned
below the opening in the suspended ceiling; supporting a support
extension member from the electrical outlet box; connecting at least two
electrical conductors to an output of the power outlet box; suspending a
display mounting bracket from the extension support member, the display
mounting bracket configured to support at least three electronic
displays; connecting the at least three electronic displays to the
display mounting bracket if not already connected; and electrically
connecting the at least two electrical conductors to the at least three
electronic displays.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein suspending the display
mounting bracket includes suspending at least three extension arms from
the support extension member.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein suspending the at least
three extension arms includes clamping the at least three extension arms
so as to be in a stacked arrangement along the support extension member,
the clamping enabling independent rotation of the at least three
extension arms.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising independently
positioning each of the at least three extension arms.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein electrically connecting the
at least two electrical conductors includes connecting the at least two
electrical conductors to an electrical terminal block within the
electrical outlet box without completely separating a housing of the
electrical outlet box.

19. The method according to of claim 14, further comprising: positioning
the multi-view display cluster over a product display; and aligning each
of the at least three electronic displays with pathways via which a
customer can travel toward the product display.

20. The method according to claim 14, further comprising aligning the at
least three electronic displays at a height above a floor of the retail
store that is substantially the same height as other electronic displays
configured to display the same content as the at least three electronic
displays.

21. A method for generating media metrics in a retail environment, said
method comprising: arranging a plurality of electronic displays along
aisles of the retail environment; and arranging at least one multi-view
electronic display cluster including at least three electronic displays
in at least one wander area of the retail environment, the electronic
displays arranged along the aisles and wander area being arranged to
present a shopper during a shopping trip in the retail environment with
each message among multiple repeating messages displayed substantially
simultaneously on the electronic displays a predicted number of multiple
times.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the predicted number of
multiple times is three.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein arranging the electronic
displays in the aisles and electronic displays of the multi-view
electronic display cluster includes arranging the electronic displays at
substantially the same height above a floor of the retail environment.

Description:

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority to co-pending U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/348,784 filed May 27, 2010,
the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Advertising messaging in retail stores has traditionally been
performed using paper advertisements. These paper advertisements,
however, are generally understood to be promotional advertisements. Over
the past couple of decades, attempts have been made to leverage
electronic displays to deliver video advertising to shoppers within
retail stores. Over the years, electronic displays have been used to
present video messaging in retail stores. There have been a number of
different configurations of electronic displays or what has been
traditionally known as digital out-of-home media or dynamic signage. For
example, electronic displays may be mounted at cash registers, on store
shelves, on walls, from ceilings, and so on.

[0003] In some cases, electronic displays are positioned in store aisles
because shoppers are limited to traversing in a linear manner (i.e., one
direction or the other). To ensure that shoppers traveling in either
direction can view the video content, the electronic displays have been
placed back-to-back to ensure shoppers can view the content traveling in
either direction. Wander areas or non-linear travel departments, such as
produce sections in grocery stores, however, allow shoppers free movement
in nearly any direction. In these wander areas, placing electronic
displays facing opposite directions (i.e., back-to-back) does not
guarantee that the electronic displays will be positioned in the
line-of-sight of shoppers who travel in a linear or non-linear manner
through the wander, area. Furthermore, as some store layouts, such as
mass merchants, have significant portions of the store configurations set
up as wander areas, the ability to ensure that substantially every
shopper has the ability to view an electronic display as they traverse
through the wander areas becomes very difficult.

[0004] Support fixtures for electronic displays can be large and
expensive, both in terms of cost of the fixture itself and cost for
installation. For example, large format televisions (e.g., 30-inches or
larger), which have traditionally be hung from retail store ceilings,
require sturdy support fixtures to support the weight of the televisions,
especially if two are placed back-to-back. To install the support these
fixtures, as a result of the weight and complexity of electrical and
communications wiring, multiple people are required to perform the
installation. In most cases, the electrical work is custom due to the
support fixtures not accommodating the myriad of electrical wiring
configurations required for diverse field installations.

SUMMARY

[0005] To ensure that shoppers within a wander area of retail stores have
the ability to view an electronic display as they travel through the
wander area, the principles of the present invention provide for a
multi-view display cluster including at least three electronic displays.
Depending on the configuration of the wander area, the electronic
displays in the multi-view display cluster may be oriented such that
shoppers traveling through the wander area have an opportunity to view an
electronic display regardless of the direction of travel. In one
embodiment, a fixture extending from a ceiling may be configured with at
least three electronic displays facing different angular directions. For
example, if three electronic displays are used, then relative angles in
which the electronic displays are directed may be 120 degrees. However,
depending upon the position of the multi-view display, the relative
angles between the displays forming the multi-view display cluster may be
non-uniform. For example, if a multi-view display cluster is configured
with three electronic displays, the relative angles between the
electronic displays may be other than 120 degrees.

[0006] Furthermore, to better ensure that a shopper traveling through the
wander area has an opportunity to view a display, the multi-view display
cluster may be positioned above goods being offered for sale (e.g.,
display of fruit) so that as shoppers approach the goods being offered
for sale, the shoppers have an opportunity of viewing one of the
electronic displays in the multi-view display cluster. In addition, by
positioning the multi-view display cluster above a product display,
shoppers will not be able to walk directly below the multi-view display
cluster, thereby maximizing the ability for shoppers to view an
electronic display of the multi-view display cluster and reduce the
ability for shoppers to damage the electronic displays either
intentionally or unintentionally. However, whether or not the content
features products that may be nearby, the multi-view display delivers
maximum viewing in the wander area to shoppers of all advertisements and
messages. Each display in the multi-view display clusters may be directed
toward pathways, if any, that lead toward the multi-view display cluster.
In one embodiment, to reduce background visual "noise," a border area may
extend radially outward from each electronic display. In addition, the
border area may be a "flat" color (e.g., brushed silver) so that the
images displayed on the electronic displays stand out from any objects
behind the electronic displays, thereby causing a shopper's attention to
be focused on the content rather than objects behind the display.

[0007] The electronic displays in the multi-view display cluster may be
relatively small (e.g., 13-inch diagonal displays) to be light weight,
thereby enabling a fixture assembly used to support the electronic
displays to also be light weight, relatively simple in design, and
inexpensive to manufacture and install. In one embodiment, extension arms
used to support the electronic displays may be formed of a light weight
material, such as sheet metal, thereby making the overall weight of the
multi-view display cluster cost effective and light weight.

[0008] One embodiment of a multi-view electronic display fixture assembly
may include a support extension member defining an axis extending
longitudinally through the support extension member. At least three
extension arms may be configured to (i) be supported by the support
extension member when extended from a ceiling and (u) extend outward from
the extension member. The at least three extension members may further be
configured to be independently rotatable about the axis. Mounting
structures may be positioned at an end of the at least three extension
arms opposite from the support extension member from which the at least
three extension arms are supported. The mounting structures may be
configured to respectively support electronic display devices.

[0009] A system and method configuring an electronic fixture display
assembly may include providing a support extension member. At least three
extension arms may be supported from the support extension member, where
the at least three extension arms may be configured (i) to support
respective electronic displays, and (i) to be rotatably positionable
relative to the support extension member.

[0010] One embodiment of a method for installing a multi-view display
cluster in a retail environment may include connecting a safety tether to
a joist that supports a ceiling of a building. A bracket connected to the
safety tether may be mounted to a suspended ceiling support. The mounting
may include placing ends of the bracket on top of the suspended ceiling
support (e.g., across two individual suspended ceiling supports). The
bracket may include an electrical box connected thereto. An opening in a
member of the dropped ceiling may be created if one does not exist. An
the electrical outlet box may be aligned with the an opening in the
suspended ceiling. The electrical outlet box may be configured to provide
power to at least three electronic displays of the multi-view display
cluster. Electrical conductors may be electrically connected from the
electrical box to a power supply in a power outlet box of the multi-view
display cluster. The power outlet box may be mechanically connected to
the electrical box, where the power outlet box may be aligned with and
positioned below the opening in the suspended ceiling. A support
extension member may be supported from the electrical outlet box. At
least two electrical conductors may be connected to an output of the
power outlet box. A display mounting bracket may be suspended from the
extension support member, where the display mounting bracket may be
configured to support at least three electronic displays. The at least
three electronic displays may be connected to the display mounting
bracket if not already connected. The at least two electrical conductors
may be electrically connected to the at least three electronic displays.

[0011] One embodiment of a power outlet box for housing electronics and
powering electronic displays suspended in a retail environment may
include a first housing portion including a first set of vertical support
features and a second set of vertical support features. A second housing
portion may include a third set of vertical support features and a fourth
set of vertical support features. The power outlet box may have (i) a
closed configuration when the first and third sets of vertical support
features are aligned and (ii) an open configuration when the second and
fourth set of vertical support features are in contact with one another.
The second set of vertical support features may be adapted to support the
fourth set of vertical support features when the power outlet box is in
the open configuration. A power supply device may be fixedly positioned
within the power outlet box when in the closed configuration.

[0012] One embodiment of a method for installing a power outlet box for
powering an electronic display device being suspended from the power
outlet box may include suspending the power outlet box from a ceiling,
where the power outlet box includes multiple portions. The power outlet
box may be opened to be in an open configuration. The open configuration
may be maintained by a first portion of the power outlet box
gravitationally supporting a second portion of the power outlet box so as
to enable a user to work within the power outlet box. The power outlet
box may be electrically connected to a power source to power a power
supply fixedly attached within the power outlet box. The electronic
display may be electrically connected to the power supply. The power
outlet box may be closed to be in a closed configuration. The electronic
display device may be suspended from the power outlet box.

[0013] One method for generating media metrics in a retail environment may
include arranging multiple electronic displays along aisles of a retail
environment, and arranging at least one multi-view electronic display
cluster including at least three electronic displays in at least one
wander area of the retail environment. The electronic displays arranged
along the aisles and wander area may be arranged to present a shopper
during a shopping trip in the retail environment with each message among
multiple repeating messages displayed substantially simultaneously on the
electronic displays a predicted number of multiple times. The predicted
number of multiple times may be three. Arranging the electronic displays
in the aisles and electronic displays of the multi-view electronic
display cluster may include arranging the electronic displays at
substantially the same height above a floor of the retail environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the
present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed
Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings
wherein:

[0015] FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrations of a retail environment in which
illustrative multi-view display clusters respectively including three and
five electronic displays for display of content;

[0016]FIG. 2A is an illustration of a retail environment from a
perspective above a suspended ceiling with an illustrative display
bracket used for supporting a multi-view display cluster is shown;

[0017]FIG. 2B is an illustration of the retail environment from a
perspective below the suspended ceiling of FIG. 2A is shown;

[0018]FIG. 3 is an illustration of an illustrative retail environment
with a wander area in which a multi-view display cluster is shown;

[0019]FIG. 4 is an illustration of an illustrative retail store having
shopper aisles and a wander area in which, one or more multi-view display
clusters may be positioned;

[0020] FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustration of an illustrative
multi-view display fixture assembly configured to support three
electronic displays;

[0021]FIG. 6 is an illustration of an assembled view of the multi-view
display fixture assembly of FIG. 5 with one electronic display being
supported thereby;

[0022]FIG. 7 is an illustration of an alternative illustrative multi-view
display cluster;

[0023] FIGS. 8A-8E is an illustration of an illustrative power outlet box
configured to house a power supply for powering electronic displays on a
multi-view display cluster;

[0024]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an illustrative process for installing
a multi-view display cluster in a retail environment;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an illustrative process for installing
a power outlet box for powering an electronic display device being
suspended from the power outlet box;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] With regard to FIG. 1A, an illustration of a retail environment
100a in which an illustrative multi-view display cluster 102a is shown.
The multi-view display cluster 102a includes three electronic displays
104a-104c (collectively 104) that are angled at different planar angles
relative to a center axis between the electronic displays. The electronic
displays 104 are mounted to and supported by a multi-view electronic
display fixture assembly 106 ("multi-view fixture"). In one embodiment,
the multi-view fixture 106 may be configured to provide for positionable
angles, such that the electronic displays may be individually rotated or
otherwise positioned around the center axis defined by a support
extension member 108. By the electronic displays being individually
positionable, a retailer or network manager may adjust position of the
electronic displays 104 during installation to maximize view angles of
the electronic displays 104 by shoppers who are traveling through a
wander area or non-linear travel department. Alternatively, the
multi-view fixture 106 may have continuous rotation ability around the
center axis or have fixed angular positions at which the electronic
displays 104 may be set.

[0027] The electronic displays 104, as shown, may have border areas
112a-112c (collectively 112) that extend radially outward from the
electronic displays 104 so as to frame or border the images on the
electronic displays 104 and reduce visual "clutter" or "noise" beyond the
electronic displays 104 when viewed from the front. The border areas 112
may be a "flat" color, such as brushed silver or any other color, which
enables a shopper to focus his or her attention on the content being
displayed on the electronic displays 104. Although the electronic display
cluster 102 is shown to include three electronic displays 104 extending
from a center axis, the principles of the present invention provide for
more than three electronic displays, such as five, as shown in the retail
environment 100b of FIG. 1B with the multi-view fixture 102b.

[0028] The support extension member 108 (e.g., hollow pole) may extend
from power outlet box (not shown) that is mounted to or supported by a
bracket, which may include an electrical box (see FIGS. 2A-2B), extending
through the suspended ceiling 110. In one embodiment, the bracket may be
a conventional bracket that is connected to the suspended ceiling 110 by
attaching to T-channels or J-channels 114 of the suspended ceiling 110
and secured by chains to a joist (not shown) above the suspended ceiling
110, as understood in the art. The support extension member 108 may both
structurally support the multi-view display cluster 102 by attaching to
the bracket and power the electronic displays 104 using electrical
conductors, such as wires, that carry electrical power to the electronic
displays.

[0029] With regard to FIG. 2A, an illustration of a retail environment 200
from a perspective above a suspended ceiling 202 with an illustrative
support bracket 204 used for supporting a multi-view display cluster is
shown. The display bracket 204 may be a conventional support bracket that
is used for suspending ceiling fans and lighting. In one embodiment, the
support bracket 204 may be an Arlington Industries support bracket with
model number FS420SCL. As shown, the support bracket 204 may include a
bracket member 206 that spans across and is supported by a suspended
ceiling grid 208. The support bracket 204 may include an electrical box
210 that is configured to provide strain relief to electrical conductors
(e.g., wires) (see FIG. 2B) that receive electrical power via store
electrical power lines (not shown). As understood in the art, the support
bracket 204 includes a safety tether 212, such as a heavy-duty chain,
that is wrapped around a ceiling or roofing joist (not shown). It should
be understood that alternative support brackets may be utilized in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0030] With regard to FIG. 2B, an illustration of the retail environment
from a perspective below the suspended ceiling 202 of FIG. 2A is shown.
The suspended ceiling 202 is shown to include ceiling tiles 202a-202n
(collectively 202). Ceiling tile 202e is shown to have an opening 214
created therein so that the electrical box 210 may be exposed. Electrical
conductors 216 that extend through and are supported by the electrical
box 210 may be connected to a power conductor in a power outlet box, as
further described herein, to power electronic displays of a multi-view
display cluster. The electrical box 210 may also be used to support the
multi-view display cluster by connecting the power outlet box directly to
the electrical box 210 using fastening hardware (e.g., screws). Because
the multi-view display cluster is relatively light weight due to the
electronic displays and support hardware or multi-view fixture being
light weight, such a support configuration may be achieved. And, because
the support bracket configuration is relatively standard (e.g., a similar
configuration is used for ceiling fans and lighting), installation time
and cost is low as compared to installation of large format electronic
displays.

[0031] With regard to FIG. 3, an isometric view of an illustrative retail
environment 300 with a wander area 302 in which a multi-view display
cluster 304 is shown. A product display 306 is shown to have the
multi-view display cluster 304 suspended thereabove. In an alternative
embodiment, the multi-view display cluster 304 may be suspended over walk
areas. The multi-view display cluster 304 may be supported by a power
outlet box 308 connected to an electrical box 310 supported by a bracket
member 312 that is positioned above a suspended ceiling 314, as described
with regard to FIGS. 2A and 2B. The bracket member 312 may include a
safety tether 316 that connects to joist(s) 318 that support the
suspended ceiling 314 or roof to prevent the multi-view display cluster
304 from falling.

[0032] In one embodiment, the power outlet box 308 may be configured to
include two substantially reciprocal portions of a box, including an
upper box and a lower box, as shown further herein. In one embodiment, a
support extension member 320, such as a hollow tube, may extend from the
power outlet box 310 to the multi-view display cluster 304 to (i) support
the multi-view display cluster 304 and (ii) provide power to electronic
displays 322a-322c (collectively 322) via conductive wires (not shown)
that may extend through the support extension member 320 from output
terminals (not shown) of the power outlet box 308. That is, a power
supply (not shown) housed in the power outlet box 308 may convert and/or
condition power received from the electrical system of the retail store
and provide conditioned power to the electronic displays 322. It should
be understood that communication cables and wires may also be routed via
the support extension member 320.

[0033] With regard to FIG. 4, a top view illustration of an illustrative
retail store 400 having shopper aisles 402a-402f (collectively 402) and a
wander area 404 is shown. The wander area 404 may include one or more
product displays 406a-406b (collectively 406) on which products (e.g.,
vegetables, fruits, etc.) are presented to shoppers for purchase. Above
the product displays 406 may be multi-view display clusters 408a and 408b
(collectively 408) that are configured in a "hub and spoke"
configuration. As shown, multi-view display cluster 408a includes five
electronic displays and multi-view display cluster 408b includes three
electronic displays. It should be understood that each may have the same
or different number, and that the determination for how many electronic
displays may be based on shopper path measurement metrics and other
factors, as further described herein. Electronic displays 410a-410n
(collectively 410) may be connected to the end of spokes or extension
arms 412 being supported by hubs or support extension members 414. The
extension arms 412, as previously described, may be configured to enable
the electronic displays 410 to be rotated or positioned at different
angles or planar orientations relative to the support extension members
412 to enable shoppers to view the associated electronic displays as the
shoppers travel toward the product display from any direction. Adjustable
brackets or hinges (not shown) may be positioned on the end of the
extension arms 412 are attached to enable the electronic displays 410 to
be adjusted in elevation and/or azimuth angles. By being able to adjust
horizontal, azimuth, and elevation angles, shoppers traveling toward the
product displays 406 via shopper paths 416 may view the electronic
displays 410 in a substantially perpendicular manner. As the electronic
displays 410 may have a wide viewing angle, a shopper does not have to be
directly perpendicular from the electronic displays 410 to be able to
adequately view content being displayed thereon. It should be understood
that multi-view display clusters may not be positioned over each product
display and still have the ability for a certain percentage of shoppers
to have an opportunity to view each advertisement or message being
displayed on the electronic display network a predetermined number of
times, as further described herein and in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/368,232, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.

[0034] The electronic displays 410 that are suspended in the wander area
404 may be positioned at substantially the same height from the floor as
electronic displays 418a-418n within the aisles 402. By positioning the
electronic displays 410 and 418 at substantially the same height,
shoppers who are in either the aisles 402 or wander area 404 may become
accustomed to observing, either actively or passively, content being
displayed on the electronic displays 410 and 418. In terms of being
substantially the same height, the electronic displays 410 and 418 may be
offset by a few inches without being noticeable to a shopper.

Multi-View Electronic Display Fixture Assembly

[0035] With regard to FIG. 5, an exploded view illustration of an
illustrative multi-view display fixture assembly 500 is shown. The
multi-view display fixture assembly 500, when supporting electronic
displays, is considered a multi-view display cluster, as previously shown
and described. The multi-view display fixture assembly 500 includes a
support extension member 502 and may include three or more extension
arms, in this case three extension arms 504a-504c (collectively 504). The
support extension member 502 may be formed of a stiff material, such as
metal or plastic, and have an opening extending axially therethrough to
enable electrical conductors, such as, wires, to extend through the
opening. The support extension member 502 may be a tube, as understood in
the art.

[0036] The extension arms 504 may be supported by the support extension
member 502 by using extension arm clamp plates 506a and 506b
(collectively 506) in combination with an extension arm clamp bracket
508. The extension arms 504 are shown to extend radially from the support
extension member 502. It should be understood that alternative
configurations of the extension arms 504 may be utilized, such has
sloping, curving, or having an alternative shape. The clamp plates 506
and clamp bracket 508 may be configured to clamp the extension arms 504
with enough force to support the extension arms 504 while providing for
the extension arms 504 to rotate. In the instant configuration, the
extension arms 504 rotate about an axis defined by the support extension
member 502. Alternative repositionable or adjustable configurations may
be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0037] Each of the extension arms 504 are shown to include respective
mounting structures 510a-510c (collectively 510) that are used to mount
and support electronic displays. The mounting structures 510 may include
bracket portions 512a-512c (collectively 512) and coupling portions
514a-514c (collectively 514). Openings 516a-516c may be utilized in
combination with fastening hardware (e.g., screws) to connect the
electronic displays to the mounting structures 510. The configuration and
material of the coupling portions 514 may allow for electronic displays
mounted to the bracket portions 512 to be adjusted in azimuth (i.e.,
rotated side to side) and elevation (i.e., rotated up and down)
orientations. In one embodiment, the extension arms 504 and mounting
structures 510 may be formed from a single piece of material, such as
sheet metal or cold rolled sheet steel (e.g., cold rolled sheet steel 10
ga, 16 ga, or otherwise), as understood in the art. Depending on the
weight of the electronic display that the extension arms are to support,
the thickness of the material may increase or decrease to maximize cost
efficiency and prevent or minimize bending or distortion over time. If
sheet metal or comparable metal or material is used, then the mounting
structures may be adjusted in azimuth and elevation by simply bending or
twisting the coupling portions 514. Because no fastening members are
utilized to adjust orientation of the electronic displays, the cost of
production is essentially the cost to cut (e.g., laser cut) or stamp the
part, as no additional parts (e.g., fastening hardware, hinges, joints,
etc) are utilized, thereby making the extension arms 504 very cost
effective (e.g., a few dollars). The coupling portions 514 may be machine
bent at a pre-set angle or bent during installation at a retail store. It
should be understood that alternative configurations of mounting
structures may be utilized in accordance with the principles of the
present invention and provide for the same or similar functionality,
including affixing separate mounting structures to the extension arms
504.

[0038] As further shown, the extension arms 504 define openings 518a-518c
(collectively 518) at an end opposite that of the mounting structures
510. The openings 518 provide for the extension arm clamp plates 506 to
fasten to one another and revolve around fastening members used by the
clamp plates 506, as described below.

[0039] Extension arm clamp plate 506a is shown to include multiple
fastening members 520 that extend perpendicularly from the clamp plate
506a. The fastening members 520 may be studs, such as threaded studs or
PEM studs, and be partially threaded or have other fastening features
that enable reciprocal fastening members 522, such as threaded nuts or
PEM nuts, to engage and secure to the fastening members 520. Once
fastened, the extension arms 504 are sandwiched between the clamp plates
506. As shown, clamp plate 506b defines openings 524 through which the
fastening members 520 extend. Both of the clamp plates 506 define
openings 526a and 526b through which the support extension member 502 may
extend, if desired. The clamp plate 506b may further define a slot or
channel 528 that extends completely or partially through the clamp plate
506b, thereby enabling conductors, such as wires, to be routed between
the extension arm 504a and clamp bracket 508 when the fixture assembly
500 is assembled. Alternatively, rather than the clamp plate 506b
including a channel 528, the support extension member 502 may define an
opening (not shown) just above the clamp bracket 508 to enable conductors
to exit so as to be more aesthetically pleasing than running down the
outside length of the support extension member 502.

[0040] The clamp bracket 508 may include a base portion 530 that defines
openings 532 that are aligned with the openings 524 and fastening members
520. The openings 532 may enable the fastening members 520 or a portion
thereof to extend therethrough. Fastening members 534 may be connected to
the fastening members 520, thereby securing the clamp bracket 508. The
clamp bracket 508 may include a flange 536 that provides for engaging the
support extension member 502. In one embodiment, the flange 536 may be
configured to be capable of being crushed or bent, thereby providing for
clamping of the support extension member 502. Alternatively and/or
additionally, flange 536 and support extension member 502 may define
openings (not shown) through which a set screw or pin, such as a clevis
pin, may pass and secure and prevent substantial relative movement
between the clamp bracket 508 to the support extension member 502. As a
result, the clamp plates 506 may be fixed in position relative to the
support extension member 502, while the tension applied to the clamp
plates 506 that sandwich the extension arms 504 allows for individual
rotation of the extension arms 504. As a result, a user may individually
adjust electronic displays about an axis defined by the support extension
member 502, in an azimuth plane, and in an elevation plane, thus
providing for adjustment with four degrees of freedom.

[0041] Although the extension arms 504 are shown to be wedge shaped, it
should be understood that alternative shapes may be utilized in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. In this case,
the wedge shape actually reduces the amount of material and cost used to
support the electronic display. For example, if a 13-inch electronic
display is used, then the dimensions of the extension arms tend to be
longer and wider to provide sufficient angular distance between two
electronic displays. If smaller electronic displays are used, then the
extension arms may be shorter in length, thereby using a smaller amount
of material. A variety of factors may be utilized to determine size and
shape of the extension arms 504, which may be more suitably termed
rotation or adjustment arms as some extension arms may be circular and,
therefore, not extend per se.

[0042] With regard to FIG. 6, an illustration of an assembled view of the
multi-view display fixture assembly 500' of FIG. 5 with one electronic
display 600 being supported thereby is shown. An electrical conductor
602, which would extend through the support extension member 502 (FIG.
5), if shown, passes through the flange 532 of the clamp bracket 508. The
electrical conductor 602 is shown to pass through the channel 528 of the
clamp plate 506a and be separated into three electrical conductors
602a-602c. Actually, each of the electrical conductors 602a-602c may
include two electrical conductors, a ground line and a positive voltage
line, and include a connector that plugs into a jack or otherwise at the
electronic display 600. Alternative voltage levels may be utilized in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. Voltage signals
being conducted by the electrical conductors 602a-602c may be direct
current (DC) or alternating current (AC) signals. In one embodiment, if
data signals are to be communicated via wire, as opposed to using
wireless communications, to the electronic display 600, four electrical
conductors may be utilized for the electrical conductor 602a, whereby two
power conductors and two or more signal conductors are included. The
electrical conductors 602a-602c may be standard or proprietary electrical
conductors.

[0043] With regard to FIG. 7, an illustration of an alternative
illustrative multi-view display cluster 700 is shown. The multi-view
display cluster 700 includes five electronic displays 702a-702e
(collectively 702) that are mounted to and supported by individual
adjustable spoke mounts or extension arms 704a-704e (collectively 704)
that are adjustable in both length and angular position. As shown, the
extension arms 704 may each include one or more slides 706a-706e to allow
for the extension arms 704 to be adjusted radially inward and outward.
Hub portions 708 of the extension arms 704 may be stacked on one another,
where each hub portion may include an opening 710 through which an
support extension member (not shown) may extend. To provide for angular
rotation about the support extension member, one or more angular slots
712 may be defined by the hub portions 708. In an alternative embodiment,
the hub portion 712 may be configured similar to the representation in
FIG. 5.

[0044] By providing for adjustable angular rotation and length of the
extension arms 704, the multi-view display cluster 700 may enable
different sized electronic displays 702 to be utilized on the multi-view
display cluster 700. For example, if smaller electronic displays 702 are
utilized, the radial extension of the extension arms 704 may be shorter
than if larger electronic displays 702 are utilized simply because less
angular distance is needed to prevent the electronic displays from
contacting one another. By providing for angular adjustment, the
electronic displays may be oriented to face arbitrary directions to
maximize the ability for shoppers to view an electronic display as the
shoppers travel within wander areas. Providing for repositioning of the
electronic displays on the fixture further accommodates for store layout
changes. It should be understood that the principles of the present
invention also provide for fixed length and/or angles of the extension
arms that are uniform or non-uniform.

Power Outlet Box

[0045] With regard to FIG. 8A, an illustrative power outlet box 800
configured to house a power supply (not shown) for powering electronic
displays on a multi-view display cluster. Because of retail store fire
code regulations, power supplies are required to be positioned below the
ceiling, thereby enabling a problem or fire to be identified faster than
if the power supply were positioned above the suspended ceiling. If
retail store regulations change, however, it should be understood that
the power outlet box 800 may be configured to enable positioning above
the suspended ceiling.

[0046] The power outlet box 800 may have a support bracket 802 that
includes a flange 804 connected thereto. The support bracket 802 may
attach to a lower surface 806 of the power outlet box 800 and be
configured to support a support extension member 808, such as a pole,
that extends downward for supporting a multi-view display fixture
assembly, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In supporting the support
extension member 808, fastening members 810 may be utilized to extend
through openings (not shown) in the support extension member 808.
Alternative configurations may be utilized to secure the support
extension member 808 to the support bracket 802.

[0047] As described with regard to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the power outlet box
800 may be adapted to be connected to and supported by the electrical box
210. While the power outlet box 800 is shown as a cube or rectangular
cube, it should be understood that any other geometric configuration may
be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0048] With regard to FIG. 8B, the support bracket 802 is shown to be
separated from the power outlet box 800 and four fastening members 812,
such as bolts, are shown to be aligned to extend through openings in a
support bracket 802 and openings 814 defined by the bottom surface 806 of
the power outlet box 800. The fastening members 812 are utilized to
secure the support bracket 802 to the power outlet box, as shown in FIG.
5A.

[0049] With regard to FIG. 8C, the power outlet box 800 is shown to have
two portions, an upper box portion 816a and a lower box portion 816b
(collectively 816). In one embodiment, the two box portions 816 are
identical and rotated 90 degrees from one another such that the two box
portions 816 mate with one another. By having identical shapes,
production costs are reduced. Within the box may be a power supply (not
shown) that receives AC power and converts the AC power into DC power
(e.g., 120VAC to 12VDC) for delivery to the electronic displays on the
multi-view display cluster. In an alternative embodiment, the power
supply may down-convert high voltage AC to low voltage AC power (e.g.,
120VAC to 12VAC). In one embodiment, a terminal block (not shown) may be
housed in the power outlet box 800. The terminal block may include three
or more pair of terminals for supplying power to the three or more
electronic displays. Conductor wire pairs, not shown, may be connected to
the terminal block and extended through the support extension member 808
(FIG. 8A). It should be understood that alternative electrical
configurations may be utilized to power the electronic devices.

[0050] With regard to FIG. 8D, the upper box portion 816a of the power
outlet box 800 is shown to include mounting holes 818 defined by a top
surface 820 of the upper box portion 816a. The mounting holes 818 are
adapted to enable attachment to an electrical box (see FIGS. 2A and 2B)
within a suspended ceiling to which the power outlet box 800 being
attached or otherwise adjoining. Power supply mounting holes 822 are
shown to be defined by a sidewall 824 of the upper box portion 816a to
enable a power supply (not shown) to be mounted thereto. Air holes 826
may also be provided along the side walls 824 of the upper box portion
816a to provide ventilation for the power supply.

[0051] The upper box portion 816a may further include interlock tabs 828
that are angled upward such that when identical interlock tabs on the
lower box portion 816b (FIG. 8B) of the power outlet box 800 mates with
the interlock tabs 828 of the upper box portion 816a, the interlock tabs
828 of the upper box portion 816a support the interlock tabs of the lower
box portion 816b. This interlocking of the interlock tabs enables someone
who is installing or repairing the power outlet box 800 to have the upper
box portion 816a support the lower box portion 816b, thereby making it
easier for installation and maintenance technicians to access components
as the power outlet box 800 does not have to be completely taken apart.
Alternative configurations to provide easy access to the inside of the
power outlet box 800 may be utilized, as well. However, the configuration
shown herein uses minimal components, which makes production and
installation costs particularly low.

[0052] With regard to FIG. 8E, a close up illustration of interlock box
tabs 828a and 828b of the upper and lower box portions 816a and 816b,
respectively, of the power outlet box 800 are shown to interlock with one
another. The interlocking of the interlock box tabs 828a and 828b allows
the lower box portion 816b to be supported by the upper portion 828a of
the power outlet box 800 during installation and maintenance of the power
outlet box 800. It should be understood that alternative configurations
of the interlock box tabs may be utilized to provide the same or similar
functionality in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
It should further be understood that configurations that use alternative
mechanisms (e.g., hinged door) for one portion of the power outlet box to
gravitationally support another portion of the power outlet box and
provide the ability for a user to work within the power outlet box
without having to remove one of the portions are contemplated in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0053] With regard to FIG. 9, a flow diagram of an illustrative process
900 for installing a multi-view display cluster in a retail store is
shown. The process 900 may start at step 902, where a safety tether may
be connected to a joist that supports a ceiling or roof of a building. A
bracket connected to the safety tether may be mounted to or otherwise
supported by a suspended or suspended ceiling support at step 904. At
step 906, an electrical box that is connected to the bracket may be
aligned with an opening in a suspended ceiling, such as in a suspended
ceiling tile. If an opening does not already exist, an installer may
create an opening through which the electrical box may extend. At step
908, electrical conductors from the electrical box may be electrically
connected to a power supply in a power outlet box of a multi-view display
cluster. The electrical conductors may be connected to an electrical
header, as understood in the art, or directly to the power supply.

[0054] At step 910, the power outlet box may be connected to the
electrical box. The power outlet box may be aligned with and below the
opening in the suspended ceiling. A support extension member may be
supported from the power outlet box at step 912. The support extension
member may be a tube that enables at least three electrical conductors,
such as pairs of conductive wires, to be extended therethrough. It should
be understood that the electrical conductors may be incorporated into a
single sleeve. At step 914, the electrical conductors may be connected to
an output of the power outlet box, where the output may be a header
block. At step 916, a display bracket configured to support at least
three electronic displays may be connected to the support extension
member. The display bracket may include at least three extension arms
that are independently positionable, such as being rotatable, about the
support extension member. At step 918, at least three electronic displays
may be connected to the display bracket if not already connected. The
electronic displays may be connected to mounting structures at the ends
of the extension arms. At step 920, the conductive wires may be connected
to respective electronic displays.

[0055] Although shown as drawing power from above a suspended ceiling, the
principles of the present invention are not limited to supporting the
multi-view display cluster from a suspended ceiling. Alternative
embodiments may provide for pedestals, wall extenders, arms, pole mounts,
or any other support members to be utilized to support and deliver power
to the electronic displays. Furthermore, rather than using individual
spokes or extension arms, a ring or any other geometric shape structure
(e.g., octagon) may be utilized to support the electronic displays and
provide for individually adjustable angular, azimuth, and/or elevation
orientation of the electronic displays. For example, if a fixed structure
(e.g., ring) is used, brackets that connect the electronic displays to
the structure may provide for both azimuth and elevation adjustment of
the electronic displays to accommodate for different environments in
which the electronic displays are utilized. Various bracket mechanisms
that prevent removal or tampering of the electronic displays.

[0056] With regard to FIG. 10, a flow diagram of an illustrative process
1000 for installing a power outlet box for powering an electronic display
device being suspended from the power outlet box is shown. The process
1000 may start at step 1002, where the power outlet box may be suspended
from a ceiling. The power outlet box may have multiple portion that are
vertically aligned. At step 1004, the power outlet box may be opened to
be in an open configuration. In the open configuration, a first portion
of the power outlet box may gravitationally support a second portion of
the power outlet box so as to enable a user to work within the power
outlet box. At step 1006, the power outlet box may be electrically
connected to a power source to power a power supply fixedly attached
within the power outlet box. At step 1008, the electronic display may be
electrically connected to the power supply. In electrically connecting,
there may be a direct or indirect connection via another electrical
component, such as an electrical header. At step 1010, the power outlet
box may be closed to be in a closed configuration. The closed
configuration may utilize fastening hardware, such as screws, to maintain
the multiple portions of the power outlet box together. At step 1012, the
electronic display device may be suspended from the power outlet box. In
one embodiment, multiple electronic display devices may be suspended,
where each of the electronic displays may be independently positionable
about a support extension member being suspended from power outlet box.
It should be understood that being suspended includes being directly or
indirectly suspended from the power outlet box.

Media Metrics

[0057] With further reference to FIG. 4, the multi-view display clusters
408 are used to improve the ability for an electronic display network,
including the electronic displays 418 in the aisles 402 and electronic
displays 410 in the wander area 404, that is configured to display
content and deliver and audience in the wander area 404, as described in
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/368,232. The network
provides for reach and frequency of view in the retail environment 400
that results in media metrics that are substantially the same or
backwardly compatible as those on traditional television. When the
network of electronic displays is displaying content substantially
simultaneously, substantially every shopper that enters the retail store
is reached by each advertisement when the network of electronic displays
is properly laid out consistent with the teachings described in the Ser.
No. 12/368,232 patent application. As a result, the network of the
electronic displays 418 and 410 generally has the ability to reach each
of the shoppers throughout each of the shopping areas of the retail
store, including the wander areas. In order to effectuate reaching the
shopping audience and provide frequency of view of advertisements and
messages in the wander areas, the electronic displays in the multi-view
display clusters are sized and positioned based on resolution, viewing
distance, directions of travel toward a product display, screen, or zone
of activity, viewing angles of the individual electronic displays, and
any other parameters that allow for shoppers to have the ability to view
at least one electronic display while shopping in the wander areas. By
configuring the electronic displays with these parameters, the devices
become passively visible to shoppers, which enables the shoppers to view
an electronic display without having to actively turn their head or
attention to view the content being displayed thereon (i.e., the
electronic displays can be seen in their line-of-sight either directly or
in their peripheral vision when looking substantially forward in the
direction of travel).

[0058] As an example of positioning (i) the multi-view display cluster(s)
408 in a wander area 404 and (ii) the electronic displays 410 in the
multi-view display cluster(s) 408 in the wander area 404, if it is
determined that a certain percentage of shoppers who travel through a
wander area travel in certain shopping paths 416 (e.g., 62% of shoppers
in the wander area 404 travel to the banana display directly from the
grapes display, 25% of shoppers in the wander area travel to the banana
display directly from the lettuce display, and the remaining 13% of
shoppers in the wander area 404 travel to the banana display directly
from the pepper display), then the electronic displays 410 in the
multi-view display cluster 408a positioned above the banana display 406
may be positioned to face the paths from which shoppers primarily travel
to the banana display 406 (i.e., from the grapes, lettuce, and pepper
displays) and the percentage of shoppers following this path toward the
bananas (or zone in which the multi-view display cluster 408a is
positioned) as compared to all shoppers who shop at the grocery store can
be determined to have had the opportunity to view a certain number of
advertisements or messages while in this location of the wander area 404.
It should be understood that the larger the wander area, the more
multi-view display clusters may be used to ensure that the media metrics
are satisfied as distance and angle factors are to be satisfied to ensure
that substantially each shopper has an opportunity to view an electronic
display while traversing through the wander area. Audience delivery may
be determined by aggregating the number of shoppers that are in the
wander area 404 over a given period of time. In measuring the audience,
the principle of the present invention may utilize shopper measurement
and reporting techniques as described in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 12/848,852 filed Aug. 2, 2010; 12/848,861 filed
Aug. 2, 2010; and 13/052,946 filed Mar. 21, 2011, the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0059] While reaching every shopper may be ideal, a lesser percentage,
such as 95%, may be acceptable. It should be understood that the overall
reach to the shopping audience and frequency of view of advertisements
and messages by the shopping audience is enhanced by having the
electronic display clusters in the wander area 404 in addition to in the
electronic displays in the aisles. If the multi-view display clusters
were not positioned in the wander areas, then there would be time lapses
of audience viewership, thereby losing the ability to claim delivery of
the shopping audience and frequency of view while the shoppers shop in
the wander areas not so equipped.

[0060] Media metrics may be generated in a retail environment by arranging
multiple electronic displays along aisles of a retail environment, and
arranging at least one multi-view electronic display cluster including at
least three electronic displays in at least one wander area of the retail
environment. The electronic displays arranged along the aisles and wander
area may be arranged to present a shopper during a shopping trip in the
retail environment with each message among multiple repeating messages
displayed substantially simultaneously (within a few milliseconds) on the
electronic displays a predicted number of multiple times. The predicted
number of multiple times may be three. Arranging the electronic displays
in the aisles and electronic displays of the multi-view electronic
display cluster may include arranging the electronic displays at
substantially the same height above a floor of the retail environment.

[0061] While the use of a multi-view electronic display clusters reduces
manufacturing and installation costs, it should be understood that
alternative configurations of fixtures, including a single or double
electronic display per fixture, that extend from the ceiling may be
utilized. In using such a configuration, multiple fixtures including
electronic display(s) may be arranged in a similar manner as provided by
the multi-view electronic display clusters. In other words, media metrics
that are achieved using multi-view display clusters may be achieved using
alternative configurations and are contemplated by the principles of the
present invention.

[0062] The previous description is of a preferred embodiment for
implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not
necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present
invention is instead defined by the following claims.